Part-Time Research Assistant-Social Science Research Institute

About The Role

Join the Social Science Research Institute at CIMP-3D as a Part-Time Research Assistant and help support real, meaningful research. This role is ideal if you enjoy working with data, contributing to research workflows, and collaborating with a team that values accuracy, professionalism, and curiosity.

In this position, you’ll provide hands-on research support across day-to-day tasks—helping projects move forward smoothly while building practical experience in social science research.

What You’ll Do

You’ll support research activities under the direction of institute staff and project leads. Your responsibilities may include:

• Assist with research tasks aligned with ongoing social science projects at CIMP-3D
• Support data-related work, such as organizing, preparing, and maintaining research materials
• Help with literature and background research to support project needs
• Contribute to documentation by compiling notes, summaries, and materials used by researchers
• Coordinate and track project materials to ensure files and resources are properly organized
• Support administrative research workflows (e.g., preparing materials for meetings or project tasks)
• Collaborate with team members to ensure tasks are completed accurately and on time
• Maintain confidentiality and responsible handling of research information as required

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for candidates who are dependable, detail-oriented, and comfortable supporting research work in a structured environment. Strong candidates typically bring:

• Interest in social science research and a willingness to learn research processes
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow instructions carefully
• Basic research and information organization skills (e.g., managing sources, organizing files, tracking tasks)
• Professional communication and a collaborative mindset
• Reliability and follow-through in completing assigned tasks
• Comfort working independently while staying aligned with project guidance

Note: Specific qualifications and experience requirements may vary depending on project needs. If you’re motivated to contribute and learn, we encourage you to apply.

Work Location & Remote Information

This position supports remote work at Penn State, with role details and expectations coordinated through the institute and project team. Please review the relevant guidance for eligibility and application requirements, including:

• Notice to Out of State Applicants (as applicable)

If you have questions about remote work expectations for this role, include them in your application or reach out to the hiring team as directed in the posting.

Why Join Us

Working with the Social Science Research Institute at CIMP-3D means contributing to a mission-driven environment where research quality matters. You’ll gain exposure to how research projects are supported day-to-day—building skills you can carry into future academic, research, or industry roles.

Benefits

• Part-time schedule that fits around your availability
• Remote work opportunity with collaboration through the institute/team
• Hands-on experience supporting social science research work
• Professional development through structured support and research workflows

How to Apply

To be considered, submit your application through Penn State’s hiring process. Be sure to review any additional instructions related to remote work and applicant eligibility, including the Notice to Out of State Applicants where applicable.